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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number: 001-31470

 

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   33-0430755

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

700 Milam Street, Suite 3100

Houston, Texas 77002

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(832) 239-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

40.4 million shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, issued and outstanding at April 30, 2004.

 



PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    

Item 1.  Unaudited Financial Statements:

    

Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

   1

Consolidated Statements of Income
For the three ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

   2

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the three ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

   3

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the three ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

   4

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
For the three ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

   5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   6

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   19

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   27

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

   29

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

   30


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in thousands of dollars)

    

March 31,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 
ASSETS                 

Current Assets

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,985     $ 1,377  

Accounts receivable—Plains All American Pipeline, L.P.

     25,665       25,344  

Other accounts receivable

     27,976       25,267  

Inventories

     4,359       5,318  

Other current assets

     2,108       3,019  
    


 


       62,093       60,325  
    


 


Property and Equipment, at cost

                

Oil and natural gas properties—full cost method

                

Subject to amortization

     1,088,287       1,074,302  

Not subject to amortization

     57,980       63,658  

Other property and equipment

     4,960       4,939  
    


 


       1,151,227       1,142,899  

Less allowance for depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (201,179 )     (186,004 )
    


 


       950,048       956,895  
    


 


Goodwill

     145,046       147,251  
    


 


Other Assets

     19,497       19,641  
    


 


     $ 1,176,684     $ 1,184,112  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                 

Current Liabilities

                

Accounts payable

   $ 34,877     $ 41,736  

Commodity hedging contracts

     75,609       55,123  

Royalties payable

     16,879       19,080  

Stock appreciation rights

     21,025       16,049  

Interest payable

     6,296       622  

Other current liabilities

     19,491       22,476  
    


 


       174,177       155,086  
    


 


Long-Term Debt

                

8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes

     276,862       276,906  

Revolving credit facility

     191,000       211,000  
    


 


       467,862       487,906  
    


 


Asset Retirement Obligation

     30,447       33,235  
    


 


Other Long-Term Liabilities

     58,162       32,194  
    


 


Deferred Income Taxes

     108,938       121,435  
    


 


Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)

                

Stockholders’ Equity

                

Common stock

     403       403  

Additional paid-in capital

     324,563       322,856  

Retained earnings

     81,964       71,566  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     (69,519 )     (40,439 )

Treasury stock

     (313 )     (130 )
    


 


       337,098       354,256  
    


 


     $ 1,176,684     $ 1,184,112  
    


 


 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

1


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Revenues

                

Oil sales to Plains All American Pipeline, L.P.

   $ 64,267     $ 64,738  

Other oil sales

     4,037        

Oil hedging

     (19,033 )     (17,311 )

Gas sales

     42,386       4,104  

Gas hedging

     1,068        

Other operating revenues

     236       207  
    


 


       92,961       51,738  
    


 


Costs and Expenses

                

Lease operating expenses

     25,680       19,978  

Production and ad valorem taxes

     3,973       1,035  

Gathering and transportation expenses

     1,196        

General and administrative

                

G&A excluding stock appreciation rights

     9,531       4,439  

Stock appreciation rights

     10,561       (1,363 )

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

     16,567       8,305  
    


 


       67,508       32,394  
    


 


Income from Operations

     25,453       19,344  

Other Income (Expense)

                

Gain (loss) on derivatives

     (1,565 )      

Interest expense

     (6,930 )     (4,856 )

Interest and other income (expense)

     262       33  
    


 


Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

     17,220       14,521  

Income tax expense

                

Current

     (188 )     (1,181 )

Deferred

     (6,634 )     (4,737 )
    


 


Income Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

     10,398       8,603  

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

           12,324  
    


 


Net Income

   $ 10,398     $ 20,927  
    


 


Earnings Per Share (in dollars)

                

Basic

                

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   $ 0.26     $ 0.36  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

           0.51  
    


 


     $ 0.26     $ 0.87  
    


 


Diluted

                

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   $ 0.26     $ 0.35  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

           0.51  
    


 


     $ 0.26     $ 0.86  
    


 


Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

                

Basic

     40,247       24,015  

Diluted

     40,488       24,225  

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(in thousands of dollars)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                

Net income

   $ 10,398     $ 20,927  

Items not affecting cash flows from operating activities

                

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

     16,567       8,305  

Deferred income taxes

     6,634       4,737  

Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting change

           (12,324 )

Stock appreciation rights and noncash compensation

     13,071       (1,632 )

Loss on derivatives

     557        

Other noncash items

     (44 )     59  

Change in assets and liabilities from operating activities

                

Accounts receivable and other assets

     (1,300 )     (451 )

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     (15,501 )     (1,594 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     30,382       18,027  
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                

Additions to oil and gas properties

     (32,105 )     (12,768 )

Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties

     22,732        

Other

     (218 )     (2,372 )
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (9,591 )     (15,140 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                

Revolving credit facility

                

Borrowings

     68,600       63,200  

Repayments

     (88,600 )     (66,500 )

Other

     (183 )     387  
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (20,183 )     (2,913 )
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     608       (26 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     1,377       1,028  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 1,985     $ 1,002  
    


 


 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

(in thousands of dollars)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Net Income

   $ 10,398     $ 20,927  
    


 


Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

                

Commodity hedging contracts, net of tax

                

Change in fair value

     (39,882 )     (12,891 )

Reclassification adjustment for settled contracts

     10,778       10,257  

Other, net of tax

     24       6  
    


 


       (29,080 )     (2,628 )
    


 


Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   $ (18,682 )   $ 18,299  
    


 


 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

(share and dollar amounts in thousands)

 

    Common Stock

 

Additional

Paid-in

Capital


   

Retained

Earnings


 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income


    Treasury Stock

    Total

 
    Shares

  Amount

        Shares

    Amount

   

Balance, December 31, 2003

  40,316   $ 403   $ 322,856     $ 71,566   $ (40,439 )   (17 )   $ (130 )   $ 354,256  

Net income

                10,398                     10,398  

Other comprehensive income

                    (29,080 )               (29,080 )

Restricted stock awards

  139         1,722                           1,722  

Additions to treasury stock

                        (11 )     (183 )     (183 )

Other

          (15 )                         (15 )
   
 

 


 

 


 

 


 


Balance, March 31, 2004

  40,455   $ 403   $ 324,563     $ 81,964   $ (69,519 )   (28 )   $ (313 )   $ 337,098  
   
 

 


 

 


 

 


 


 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Organization

 

The consolidated financial statements of Plains Exploration & Production Company (“Plains”, “PXP”, “us”, “our”, or “we”) include the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. We are an independent energy company engaged in the “upstream” oil and gas business of acquiring, exploiting, developing, exploring for and producing oil and gas. Our activities are all located in the United States.

 

These consolidated financial statements and related notes present our consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the results of our operations and our comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 and the changes in our stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2004. All adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, that in the opinion of management were necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods, have been reflected. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year statements to conform to the current year presentation. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2004, are not necessarily indicative of the final results to be expected for the full year.

 

These financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Accounting Policies

 

Asset Retirement Obligations.    Effective January 1, 2003, we adopted SFAS 143 which requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for a legal obligation to retire an asset in the period in which the liability is incurred. A legal obligation is a liability that a party is required to settle as a result of an existing or enacted law, statute, ordinance or contract. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity is required to capitalize the retirement cost of the related long-lived asset. Each period the liability is accreted to its then present value, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded amount, the difference is reflected in oil and gas properties. In prior periods we included estimated future costs of abandonment and dismantlement in our full cost amortization base and these costs were amortized as a component of our depletion expense.

 

At January 1, 2003, the present value of our future asset retirement obligation for oil and gas properties and equipment was $26.5 million. The cumulative effect of our adoption of SFAS 143 and the change in accounting principle resulted in an increase in net income during the first quarter of 2003 of $12.3 million (reflecting a $30.8 million decrease in accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, partially offset by $10.6 million in accretion expense, and $7.9 million in income taxes). We recorded a liability of $26.5 million and an asset of $15.9 million in connection with the adoption of SFAS 143. Adopting SFAS No. 143 did not impact our cash flows.

 

6


The following table illustrates the changes in our asset retirement obligation during the periods (in thousands):

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


     2004

    2003

Asset retirement obligation—beginning of period

   $ 33,735     $ 26,540

Liabilities incurred

     81      

Accretion expense

     727       582

Asset retirement cost of properties sold

     (3,585 )    
    


 

Asset retirement obligation—end of period

   $ 30,958 (1)   $ 27,122
    


 


(1)   $511 included in current liabilities.

 

Goodwill.    As a result of the sale of our Illinois properties, goodwill was decreased by $2.4 million which was considered in the loss on disposition recognized as an adjustment to oil and gas properties subject to amortization.

 

Stock-based Employee Compensation.    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS 123) established financial accounting and reporting standards for stock-based employee compensation. SFAS 123 defines a fair value based method of accounting for an employee stock option or similar equity instrument. SFAS 123 also allows an entity to continue to measure compensation cost for those instruments using the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Bulletin No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25). We have elected to follow APB 25 and related interpretations in accounting for our stock-based employee compensation. The compensation expense recorded under APB 25 for our stock appreciation rights and restricted stock awards is the same as that determined under SFAS 123.

 

Earnings Per Share.    For the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 the weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic earning per share were 40.2 million and 24.0 million, respectively, and the weighted average shares outstanding for computing diluted earning per share were 40.5 million and 24.2 million, respectively. The weighted average shares outstanding for computing diluted earnings per share include the effect of unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units. In computing earnings per share, no adjustments were made to reported net income.

 

Inventory.    Oil inventories are carried at the lower of the cost to produce or market value. Materials and supplies inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined on an average cost method. Inventory consists of the following (in thousands):

 

    

March 31,

2004


  

December 31,

2003


Materials and supplies

   $ 3,656    $ 4,455

Oil

     703      863
    

  

     $ 4,359    $ 5,318
    

  

 

Use of Estimates.    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include (1) oil and natural gas reserves; (2) depreciation, depletion and amortization, including future abandonment costs; (3) assigning fair value and allocating purchase price in connection with business combinations, including goodwill; (4) income taxes; (5) accrued liabilities; and (6) valuation of derivative instruments. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

7


Recent Accounting Pronouncements.    In 2003, the SEC inquired of the FASB regarding the application of certain provisions of SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, (“SFAS No. 141”) and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, (“SFAS No. 142”) to oil and gas companies. SFAS Nos. 141 and 142 became effective for transactions subsequent to June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 141 requires that all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 be accounted for using the purchase method and that acquired intangible assets be disaggregated and reported separately from goodwill. Specifically, the SEC’s inquiry was based on whether costs of contract-based drilling and mineral use rights (“mineral rights”) should be recorded and disclosed as intangible assets under the guidance in SFAS Nos. 141 and 142. The current practice for us and the industry is to present oil and gas related assets, including mineral rights, as property and equipment (tangible assets) on the balance sheet. Subsequent to June 30, 2001, we entered into a business combination and the majority of the purchase price was allocated to oil and gas properties.

 

An Emerging Issues Task Force Working Group (“EITF”) was created to research the accounting and disclosure treatment of mineral rights for oil and gas companies. As a result, the EITF added Issue No. 04-2, “Whether Mineral Rights are Tangible or Intangible Assets and Related Issues,” and Issue No. 03-S, “Application of FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to Oil and Gas Companies”. The FASB recently issued FASB Staff Position 141-1 and 142-1 (the “FSP”) that clarifies that mineral rights are tangible assets and have further amended FAS 141 and FAS 142 accordingly. The EITF has not reached a consensus on Issue No. 03-S and any further guidance will be applied to the first reporting period beginning after the date that such issue is finalized.

 

Note 2—Proposed Merger with Nuevo Energy Company

 

On February 12, 2004 we announced that we had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Nuevo Energy Company, or Nuevo, in a stock for stock transaction valued at approximately $1.0 billion, based on our March 31, 2004 closing stock price of $18.64 per share. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Nuevo stockholders will receive 1.765 shares of our common stock for each share of Nuevo common stock. If completed, we will issue up to 38.8 million common shares and options to Nuevo shareholders and assume $203 million of net debt (as of March 31, 2004) and $115 million of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.

 

The transaction is expected to qualify as a tax free reorganization under Section 368(a) and is expected to be tax free to our stockholders and tax free for the stock portion of the consideration received by Nuevo stockholders. The Boards of directors of both companies have approved the merger agreement and each has recommended it to their respective stockholders for approval. The transaction will remain subject to stockholder approval from both companies and other customary conditions. Post closing, it is anticipated that our stockholders will own approximately 52% of the combined company and Nuevo stockholders will own approximately 48% of the combined company.

 

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2004. We will account for the transaction as a purchase of Nuevo under purchase accounting rules and we will continue to use the full cost method of accounting for our oil and gas properties.

 

Note 3—Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

We actively manage our exposure to commodity price fluctuations by hedging portions of our oil and gas production through the use of derivative instruments. The derivative instruments currently consist of oil and gas swap and option contracts entered into with financial institutions. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. Derivative instruments utilized to manage commodity price risk are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended. Under SFAS 133, all derivative instruments are

 

8


recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If a derivative does not qualify as a hedge or is not designated as a hedge, the changes in fair value are recognized currently in our earnings as other income (expense). If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and qualifies for hedge accounting, the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative is deferred in accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”), a component of Stockholders’ Equity until the sale of the hedged oil and gas production. Realized gains and losses on derivative instruments that are designated as a hedge and qualify for hedge accounting are included in oil and gas revenues in the period the hedged volumes are sold.

 

To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be highly effective in achieving the offset of changes in cash flows attributable to the hedged risk both at the inception of the contract and on an ongoing basis. Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively when a hedge instrument becomes ineffective. Gains and losses deferred in OCI related to cash flow hedges for which hedge accounting has been discontinued remain unchanged until the related product has been delivered. If it is probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, deferred gains or losses on the hedging instrument are recognized in earnings immediately.

 

We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking the hedge. Hedge effectiveness is measured on a quarterly basis. This process includes specific identification of the hedging instrument and the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged and the manner in which the hedging instrument’s effectiveness will be assessed. At the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, we assess whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.

 

During the first three months of 2004 and 2003, deferred losses of $17.8 million and $17.3 million, respectively, were reclassified from OCI and charged to income as a reduction of oil and gas revenues. As of March 31, 2004, $66.4 million ($40.1 million, net of tax) of deferred net losses on derivative instruments recorded in OCI are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve-month period. During the first three months of 2004 we recognized expenses of $1.6 million from derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting and $0.1 million for ineffectiveness of derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting.

 

At March 31, 2004, we had the following open commodity derivative positions:

 

     Bbls / MMBtu Per Day

     2004

   2005

   2006

Crude Oil Swaps

              

Average price $23.89 per Bbl

   18,500      

Average price $24.79 per Bbl

      17,500   

Average price $25.28 per Bbl

         15,000

Natural Gas Swaps

              

Average price $4.45 per MMBtu

   20,000      

Natural Gas Costless Collars

              

Floor price of $4.00 per MMBtu

   20,000      

Cap price of $5.15 per MMBtu

              

Floor price of $4.75 per MMBtu

   10,000      

Cap price of $5.67 per MMBtu

              

 

Location and quality differentials attributable to our properties are not included in the foregoing prices. Because of the quality and location of our oil and gas production, these adjustments will affect our net price.

 

9


We utilize interest rate swaps to manage the interest rate exposure on our long-term debt. We currently have an interest rate swap agreement that expires in October 2004 that fixes the interest rate on $7.5 million of borrowings under our credit facility at 3.9% plus the LIBOR margin set forth in the credit facility (1.5% at March 31, 2004).

 

Note 4—Long-Term Debt

 

At March 31, 2004 long-term debt consisted of:

 

     Current

   Long-Term

Revolving credit facility

   $    $ 191,000

8.75% senior subordinated notes, including unamortized premium of $1.9 million

          276,862

Other

     511     
    

  

     $ 511    $ 467,862
    

  

 

At March 31, 2004 we had $191.0 million outstanding under our $500.0 million senior revolving credit facility. The credit facility provides for a borrowing base of $400.0 million that will be redetermined on a semi-annual basis, with us and the lenders each having the right to one annual interim unscheduled redetermination, and adjusted based on the Company’s oil and gas properties, reserves, other indebtedness and other relevant factors. Additionally, the credit facility contains a $50.0 million sub-limit on letters of credit. Borrowings under the credit facility are secured by 100% of the shares of stock of our domestic restricted subsidiaries and mortgages covering 80% of the total present value of our domestic oil and gas properties. The credit facility matures in April 2006. At March 31, 2004, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our credit facility and could have borrowed the full amount available under the credit facility.

 

At March 31, 2004, we had $275.0 million principal amount of 8.75% notes outstanding. The 8.75% notes are our unsecured general obligations, are subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness and are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full, unconditional basis by all of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries. The 8.75% notes are not redeemable until July 1, 2007. On or after that date they are redeemable, at our option, at 104.375% of the principal amount for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2008, at 102.917% of the principal amount for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2009, at 101.458% of the principal amount for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2010 and at 100% of the principal amount thereafter. In each case, accrued interest is payable to the date of redemption. In the event of a change of control, as defined in the indenture, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of the repurchase.

 

Note 5—Related Party Transactions

 

Our Chief Executive Officer is Chairman and director and certain of our officers are officers of Plains Resources Inc. (“Plains Resources”). We have entered into certain agreements with Plains Resources, including a master separation agreement; an intellectual property agreement; the Plains Exploration & Production transition services agreement that expires June 16, 2004; the Plains Resources transition services agreement that expires June 8, 2004; and a technical services agreement that expires in July 2005. For the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 we billed Plains Resources $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for services provided by us under these agreements and for the three months ended March 31, 2003 Plains Resources billed us $38,000 for services they provided to us under these agreements. In addition, for the three months ended March 31, 2004 we billed Plains Resources $0.2 million for administrative costs associated with certain special projects performed on their behalf.

 

10


We charter private aircraft from Gulf Coast Aviation Inc. (“Gulf Coast”), a corporation that from time-to-time leases aircraft owned by our Chief Executive Officer. In the first three months of 2004 and 2003, we paid Gulf Coast $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in connection with charter services in which our Chief Executive Officer’s aircraft were used. The charter services were arranged through arms-length dealings and the rates were market-based.

 

Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (“PAA”), a publicly-traded master limited partnership, is an affiliate of Plains Resources. PAA is the marketer/purchaser for a significant portion of our oil production, including the royalty share of production. The marketing agreement provides that PAA will purchase for resale at market prices certain of our oil production for which PAA charges a fee of $0.20 per barrel. During the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, the following amounts were recorded with respect to such transactions (in thousands of dollars).

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


     2004

   2003

Sales of oil to PAA

             

PXP’s share

   $ 64,267    $ 64,738

Royalty owners’ share

     14,135      12,360
    

  

     $ 78,402    $ 77,098
    

  

Charges for PAA marketing fees

   $ 395    $ 424
    

  

 

Note 6—Commitments and Contingencies

 

We are a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our business. While the outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, we do not believe that the outcome of these legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Note 7—Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

Cash payments for interest and taxes were (in thousands of dollars):

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


     2004

   2003

Cash payments for interest

   $ 2,482    $ 9,468
    

  

Cash payments for taxes

   $    $ 599
    

  

 

Note 8—Property Divestments

 

In the first quarter of 2004 we completed the sale of our interests in certain non-core producing properties in New Mexico, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Illinois for aggregate proceeds of approximately $25.6 million. Production from these properties averaged approximately 2,600 barrels per day in the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

Our oil and gas interests in the Illinois Basin fell outside of our core areas of operation and as a result did not compete well for capital with the properties within our core areas. The Illinois properties also carried with them high operating costs. These factors led to the sale of our Illinois properties

 

11


through an extensive auction process. The sale was completed through a stock purchase agreement with standard terms, including typical purchase price adjustments, representations and warranties, and assumption of liabilities by the purchaser for an adjusted purchase price of $14.2 million. The reserves attributable to our Illinois properties were not material in relation to our total reserves. As a result, we do not expect the sale of these properties to have a significant impact on future operations or our stockholders.

 

Note 9—Consolidating Financial Statements

 

We and Plains E&P Company are the co-issuers of the 8.75% notes discussed in Note 4. The 8.75% notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by our wholly owned subsidiaries (referred to as “Guarantor Subsidiaries”).

 

The following financial information presents consolidating financial statements, which include:

 

    PXP (the “Issuer”);

 

    the guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”);

 

    elimination entries necessary to consolidate the Issuer and Guarantor Subsidiaries; and

 

    the Company on a consolidated basis.

 

Plains E&P Company has no material assets or operations; accordingly, Plains E&P Company has been omitted from the Issuer financial information.

 

12


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

MARCH 31, 2004

(in thousands)

 

    Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries


   

Intercompany

Eliminations


    Consolidated

 
ASSETS                                

Current Assets

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,984     $ 1     $     $ 1,985  

Accounts receivable and other current assets

    26,909       28,840             55,749  

Inventories

    3,517       842             4,359  
   


 


 


 


      32,410       29,683             62,093  
   


 


 


 


Property and Equipment, at cost

                               

Oil and natural gas properties—full cost method

                               

Subject to amortization

    697,416       390,871             1,088,287  

Not subject to amortization

    18,173       39,807             57,980  

Other property and equipment

    4,496       464             4,960  
   


 


 


 


      720,085       431,142             1,151,227  

Less allowance for depreciation, depletion and amortization

    (145,820 )     (55,359 )           (201,179 )
   


 


 


 


      574,265       375,783             950,048  
   


 


 


 


Investment in and Advances to Subsidiaries

    468,891             (468,891 )      
   


 


 


 


Goodwill

          145,046             145,046  
   


 


 


 


Other Assets

    20,051       (554 )           19,497  
   


 


 


 


    $ 1,095,617     $ 549,958     $ (468,891 )   $ 1,176,684  
   


 


 


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                

Current Liabilities

                               

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

  $ 75,531     $ 22,526     $     $ 98,057  

Commodity hedging contracts

    40,374       35,235             75,609  

Current maturities on long-term debt

    511                   511  
   


 


 


 


      116,416       57,761             174,177  
   


 


 


 


Long-Term Debt

    467,862                   467,862  
   


 


 


 


Other Long-Term Liabilities

    54,410       34,199             88,609  
   


 


 


 


Payable to Parent

          420,293       (420,293 )      
   


 


 


 


Deferred Income Taxes

    119,831       (10,893 )           108,938  
   


 


 


 


Stockholders’ Equity

                               

Stockholders’ equity

    406,617       76,944       (76,944 )     406,617  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    (69,519 )     (28,346 )     28,346       (69,519 )
   


 


 


 


      337,098       48,598       (48,598 )     337,098  
   


 


 


 


    $ 1,095,617     $ 549,958     $ (468,891 )   $ 1,176,684  
   


 


 


 


 

13


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

DECEMBER 31, 2003

(in thousands)

 

     Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries


   

Intercompany

Eliminations


    Consolidated

 
ASSETS                                 

Current Assets

                                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 403     $ 974     $     $ 1,377  

Accounts receivable and other current assets

     32,018       21,612             53,630  

Inventories

     3,800       1,518             5,318  
    


 


 


 


       36,221       24,104             60,325  
    


 


 


 


Property and Equipment, at cost

                                

Oil and natural gas properties—full cost method

                                

Subject to amortization

     570,639       503,663             1,074,302  

Not subject to amortization

     21,370       42,288             63,658  

Other property and equipment

     4,330       609             4,939  
    


 


 


 


       596,339       546,560             1,142,899  

Less allowance for depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (64,470 )     (121,534 )           (186,004 )
    


 


 


 


       531,869       425,026             956,895  
    


 


 


 


Investment in and Advances to Subsidiaries

     531,142               (531,142 )      
    


 


 


 


Other Assets

     20,292       146,600             166,892  
    


 


 


 


     $ 1,119,524     $ 595,730     $ (531,142 )   $ 1,184,112  
    


 


 


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                 

Current Liabilities

                                

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

   $ 76,540     $ 22,912     $     $ 99,452  

Commodity hedging contracts

     29,782       25,341             55,123  

Current maturities on long-term debt

     511                   511  
    


 


 


 


       106,833       48,253             155,086  
    


 


 


 


Long-Term Debt

     487,906                   487,906  
    


 


 


 


Other Long-Term Liabilities

     43,317       22,112             65,429  
    


 


 


 


Payable to Parent

           511,783       (511,783 )      
    


 


 


 


Deferred Income Taxes

     127,212       (5,777 )           121,435  
    


 


 


 


Stockholders’ Equity

                                

Stockholders’ equity

     394,695       30,292       (30,292 )     394,695  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     (40,439 )     (10,933 )     10,933       (40,439 )
    


 


 


 


       354,256       19,359       (19,359 )     354,256  
    


 


 


 


     $ 1,119,524     $ 595,730     $ (531,142 )   $ 1,184,112  
    


 


 


 


 

14


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004

(in thousands)

 

     Parent

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries


   

Intercompany

Eliminations


    Consolidated

 

Revenues

                                

Oil

   $ 31,414     $ 17,857     $     $ 49,271  

Gas

     4,215       39,239             43,454  

Other operating revenues

           236             236  
    


 


 


 


       35,629       57,332             92,961  
    


 


 


 


Costs and Expenses

                                

Production expenses

     14,404       16,445             30,849  

General and administrative

     18,988       1,104             20,092  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization and accretion

     2,679       13,888             16,567  
    


 


 


 


       36,071       31,437             67,508  
    


 


 


 


Income from Operations

     (442 )     25,895             25,453  

Other Income (Expense)

                                

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     10,927             (10,927 )      

Interest expense

     (488 )     (6,442 )           (6,930 )

Interest and other income (expense)

     262       (1,565 )           (1,303 )
    


 


 


 


Income Before Income Taxes

     10,259       17,888       (10,927 )     17,220  

Income tax expense

                                

Current

           (188 )           (188 )

Deferred

     139       (6,773 )           (6,634 )
    


 


 


 


Net Income

   $ 10,398     $ 10,927     $ (10,927 )   $ 10,398  
    


 


 


 


 

15


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003

(in thousands)

 

     Parent

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries


   

Intercompany

Eliminations


    Consolidated

 

Revenues

                                

Oil

   $ 32,222     $ 15,205     $     $ 47,427  

Gas

     4,104                   4,104  

Other operating revenues

           207             207  
    


 


 


 


       36,326       15,412             51,738  
    


 


 


 


Costs and Expenses

                                

Production expenses

     12,679       8,334             21,013  

General and administrative

     2,635       441             3,076  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization and accretion

     6,164       2,141             8,305  
    


 


 


 


       21,478       10,916             32,394  
    


 


 


 


Income from Operations

     14,848       4,496             19,344  

Other Income (Expense)

                                

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     2,296             (2,296 )      

Interest expense

     (3,169 )     (1,687 )           (4,856 )

Interest and other income (expense)

     24       9             33  
    


 


 


 


Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

     13,999       2,818       (2,296 )     14,521  

Income tax expense

                                

Current

     226       (1,407 )           (1,181 )

Deferred

     (4,977 )     240             (4,737 )
    


 


 


 


Income Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

     9,248       1,651       (2,296 )     8,603  

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

     11,679       645             12,324  
    


 


 


 


Net Income

   $ 20,927     $ 2,296     $ (2,296 )   $ 20,927  
    


 


 


 


 

16


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004

(in thousands of dollars)

 

     Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries


   

Intercompany

Eliminations


    Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                                

Net income

   $ 10,398     $ 10,927     $ (10,927 )   $ 10,398  

Items not affecting cash flows from operating activities

                                

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

     2,679       13,888             16,567  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     (10,927 )           10,927        

Deferred income taxes

     (139 )     6,773             6,634  

Stock appreciation rights and noncash compensation

     13,071                   13,071  

Other noncash items

     (44 )     557             513  

Change in assets and liabilities from operating activities

                                

Accounts receivable and other assets

     6,341       (7,641 )           (1,300 )

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     (9,731 )     (5,770 )           (15,501 )
    


 


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     11,648       18,734             30,382  
    


 


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                                

Additions to oil and gas properties

     (15,096 )     (17,009 )           (32,105 )

Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties

     12,226       10,506             22,732  

Other

     (166 )     (52 )           (218 )
    


 


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (3,036 )     (6,555 )           (9,591 )
    


 


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                                

Revolving credit facility

                                

Borrowings

     68,600                   68,600  

Repayments

     (88,600 )                 (88,600 )

Change in payable to Parent

     13,152       (13,152 )            

Other

     (183 )                 (183 )
    


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (7,031 )     (13,152 )           (20,183 )
    


 


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     1,581       (973 )           608  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     403       974             1,377  
    


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 1,984     $ 1     $     $ 1,985  
    


 


 


 


 

17


PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY

 

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003

(in thousands of dollars)

 

     Issuer

   

Guarantor

Subsidiaries


   

Intercompany

Eliminations


    Consolidated

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                                

Net income

   $ 20,927     $ 2,296     $ (2,296 )   $ 20,927  

Items not affecting cash flows from operating activities

                                

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

     6,164       2,141             8,305  

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

     (2,296 )           2,296        

Deferred income taxes

     4,977       (240 )           4,737  

Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting change

     (11,679 )     (645 )             (12,324 )

Stock appreciation rights and noncash compensation

     (1,632 )                 (1,632 )

Other noncash items

     59                   59  

Change in assets and liabilities from operating activities

                                

Accounts receivable and other assets

     (359 )     (92 )           (451 )

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     (573 )     (1,021 )           (1,594 )
    


 


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     15,588       2,439             18,027  
    


 


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                                

Additions to oil and gas properties

     (10,306 )     (2,462 )           (12,768 )

Other

     (2,372 )                 (2,372 )
    


 


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (12,678 )     (2,462 )           (15,140 )
    


 


 


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                                

Revolving credit facility

                                

Borrowings

     63,200                   63,200  

Repayments

     (66,500 )                 (66,500 )

Other

     387                   387  
    


 


 


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (2,913 )                 (2,913 )
    


 


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (3 )     (23 )           (26 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     1,004       24             1,028  
    


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 1,001     $ 1     $     $ 1,002  
    


 


 


 


 

18


Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following information should be read in connection with the information contained in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

 

Overview

 

We are an independent oil and gas company primarily engaged in the activities of acquiring, exploiting, developing and producing oil and gas in the United States. We own oil and gas properties in six states with principal operations in:

 

    the Los Angeles and San Joaquin Basins in California;

 

    the Santa Maria Basin offshore California;

 

    the Gulf Coast Basin onshore and offshore Louisiana; and

 

    the East Texas Basin in east Texas and north Louisiana.

 

Assets in these areas include mature properties with long-lived reserves and significant development and exploitation opportunities as well as newer properties with development, exploitation and exploration potential.

 

We reported net income of $10.4 million, or $0.26 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2004 compared to net income of $20.9 million, or $0.86 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2003. Net income for the first quarter of 2004 includes the effect of the properties from our acquisition of 3TEC Energy Corporation, or 3TEC, which are included in our results effective June 1, 2003. Net income for the first quarter of 2003 includes a non-cash, after-tax $12.3 million credit related to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”.

 

First quarter income before the cumulative effect of accounting change increased to $10.4 million in 2004 from $8.6 million in 2003. The improvement is primarily attributable to higher oil and gas sales as a result of increased sales volumes due to the 3TEC properties and increased oil and gas prices. These increases were partially offset by expenses related to stock appreciation rights and higher operating expenses due to the properties acquired from 3TEC.

 

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from our operations and our revolving credit facility. At March 31, 2004 we had approximately $203.5 million of availability under our revolving credit facility. During 2004, we expect to make aggregate capital expenditures of approximately $163-$177 million on our existing asset base. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity through our cash from operations and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility to meet our short-term and long-term normal recurring operating needs, debt service obligations, contingencies and anticipated capital expenditures.

 

Our cash flows depend on many factors, including the price of oil and gas, the success of our acquisition and drilling activities and the operational performance of our producing properties. We hedge to limit our commodity price exposure. Based on our daily average production for the first quarter of 2004, utilizing a combination of swaps and collars, we have hedged approximately 77%, 73% and 62% of our oil production for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and approximately 61% of our 2004 gas production. Our hedging activities mitigate our exposure to price declines and allow us the flexibility to continue to execute our capital plan even if prices decline during the period our hedges are in place. In addition, the majority of our capital expenditures are discretionary and could be curtailed if our cash flows declined from expected levels.

 

19


Completion of our proposed acquisition of Nuevo Energy Company, or Nuevo, will have a significant impact on our company. We will have a large proved reserve base that will be over 70% proved developed, a significantly improved balance sheet and an attractive growth profile. The combined company is expected to generate significant cash flow that will be available for debt reduction and future growth opportunities.

 

Proposed Acquisition of Nuevo

 

On February 12, 2004 we announced that we had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Nuevo in a stock for stock transaction valued at approximately $1.0 billion, based on our March 31, 2004 closing stock price of $18.64 per share. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Nuevo stockholders will receive 1.765 shares of our common stock for each share of Nuevo common stock. If completed, we will issue approximately 38.8 million common shares and options to Nuevo shareholders and assume $203 million of net debt (as of March 31, 2004) and $115 million of Trust Convertible Preferred Securities.

 

The transaction is expected to qualify as a tax free reorganization under Section 368(a) and is expected to be tax free to our stockholders and tax free for the stock portion of the consideration received by Nuevo stockholders. The Boards of directors of both companies have approved the merger agreement and each has recommended it to their respective stockholders for approval. The transaction is subject to stockholder approval from both companies and other customary conditions. Post closing, it is anticipated that PXP stockholders will own approximately 52% of the combined company and Nuevo stockholders will own approximately 48% of the combined company.

 

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2004. We will account for the transaction as a purchase of Nuevo under purchase accounting rules and we will continue to use the full cost method of accounting for our oil and gas properties.

 

General

 

We follow the full cost method of accounting whereby all costs associated with property acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development activities are capitalized. Our revenues are derived from the sale of oil, gas and natural gas liquids. We recognize revenues when our production is sold and title is transferred. Our revenues are highly dependent upon the prices of, and demand for, oil and gas. Historically, the markets for oil and gas have been volatile and are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. The prices we receive for our oil and gas and our levels of production are subject to wide fluctuations and depend on numerous factors beyond our control, including supply and demand, economic conditions, foreign imports, the actions of OPEC, political conditions in other oil-producing countries, and governmental regulation, legislation and policies. Under the SEC’s full cost accounting rules, we review the carrying value of our proved oil and gas properties each quarter. These rules generally require that we price our future oil and gas production at the oil and gas prices in effect at the end of each fiscal quarter to determine a ceiling value of our properties. The rules require a write-down if our capitalized costs exceed the allowed “ceiling.” We have had no write-downs due to these ceiling test limitations since 1998. Given the volatility of oil and gas prices, it is likely that our estimate of discounted future net revenues from proved oil and gas reserves will fluctuate in the near term. If oil and gas prices decline significantly in the future, write-downs of our oil and gas properties could occur. Write-downs required by these rules do not directly impact our cash flows from operating activities. Decreases in oil and gas prices have had, and will likely have in the future, an adverse effect on the carrying value of our proved reserves and our revenues, profitability and cash flow.

 

To manage our exposure to commodity price risk, we use various derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to oil and gas sales price fluctuations. Our hedging arrangements provide us protection on the hedged volumes if these prices decline below the prices at which these hedges are set.

 

20


However, if prices increase, ceiling prices in our hedges may cause us to receive less revenues on the hedged volumes than we would receive in the absence of hedges. Gains and losses from hedging transactions are recognized as revenues when the associated production is sold. Changes in the fair value and settlement gains and losses of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized in other income (expense).

 

Our oil and gas production expenses include salaries and benefits of personnel involved in production activities, electric costs, maintenance costs, production, ad valorem and severance taxes, and other costs necessary to operate our producing properties. Depletion of capitalized costs of producing oil and gas properties is provided using the units of production method based upon proved reserves. For the purposes of computing depletion, proved reserves are redetermined as of the end of each year and on an interim basis when deemed necessary.

 

General and administrative expenses (“G&A”) consist primarily of salaries and related benefits of administrative personnel, office rent, systems costs and other administrative costs.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table reflects the components of our oil and gas production and sales prices and sets forth our operating revenues and costs and expenses on a barrel of oil equivalent (“BOE”) basis:

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Sales Volumes

                

Oil and liquids (MBbls)

     2,195       2,181  

Gas (MMcf)

     7,404       729  

MBOE

     3,429       2,303  

Daily Average Sales Volumes

                

Oil and liquids (Bbls)

     24,121       24,237  

Gas (Mcf)

     81,363       8,099  

BOE

     37,681       25,587  

Unit Economics (in dollars)

                

Average Oil Realized Price ($/Bbl)

                

Average NYMEX

   $ 35.16     $ 33.80  

Hedging revenue (expense)

     (8.68 )     (7.94 )

Differential

     (4.02 )     (4.11 )
    


 


Net realized

   $ 22.46     $ 21.75  
    


 


Average Gas Realized Price ($/Mcf)

                

Average NYMEX

   $ 5.72     $ 5.69  

Hedging revenue (cost)

     0.14        

Differential

     0.01       (0.06 )
    


 


Net realized

   $ 5.87     $ 5.63  
    


 


Average Realized Price per BOE

   $ 27.05     $ 22.38  

Costs and Expenses per BOE

                

Lease operating expenses

     7.49       8.67  

Production and ad valorem taxes

     1.16       0.45  

Gathering and transportation

     0.35        

G&A

                

G&A excluding stock appreciation rights

     2.78       1.93  

Stock appreciation rights

     3.08       (0.59 )

DD&A per BOE (oil and gas properties)

     4.39       3.18  

 

21


Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 to Three Months Ended March 31, 2003

 

Oil and gas revenues.    Oil and gas revenues increased 80%, or $41.2 million, to $92.7 million for 2004 from $51.5 million for 2003. The increase is due to increased production volumes attributable to the properties acquired from 3TEC and higher realized prices. Our average realized price per BOE increased 21% to $27.05 primarily due to the increase in natural gas production attributable to the properties acquired from 3TEC.

 

Oil revenues increased 4%, or $1.9 million, to $49.3 million for 2004 from $47.4 million for 2003, primarily reflecting higher realized prices. Our average realized price for oil increased 3%, or $0.71, to $22.46 per Bbl for 2004 from $21.75 per Bbl for 2003. The increase is primarily attributable to an improvement in the NYMEX oil price, which averaged $35.16 per Bbl in 2004 versus $33.80 per Bbl in 2003. Hedging had the effect of decreasing our average price per Bbl by $8.68 in 2004 compared to $7.94 per Bbl in 2003.

 

Gas revenues increased $39.4 million, to $43.5 million for 2004 from $4.1 million for 2003. A 6.7 Bcf increase in production volumes to 7.4 Bcf increased revenues by $39.2 million and higher realized prices increased revenues by $0.2 million. The properties acquired from 3TEC accounted for 6.1 Bcf of 2004 production.

 

Our average realized price for gas increased 4%, or $0.24, to $5.87 per Mcf for 2004 from $5.63 per Mcf for 2003. The increase is attributable to an improvement in the NYMEX gas price, which averaged $5.72 per Mcf in 2004 versus $5.69 in 2003, the effects of hedging and an improvement in our average location and quality differential. In 2004 hedging revenues increased our average price per Mcf by $0.14. Our average location and quality differential improved by $0.07 per Mcf compared to 2003.

 

Lease operating expenses.    Lease operating expenses increased 29%, or $5.7 million, to $25.7 million for 2004 from $20.0 million for 2003, primarily due to the properties acquired from 3TEC. The properties acquired from 3TEC accounted for $5.3 million of 2004 production expenses. On a per unit basis, production expenses decreased to $7.49 per BOE in 2004 versus $8.67 per BOE in 2003 due to the properties acquired from 3TEC that have lower per unit operating expenses than our other properties.

 

Production and ad valorem taxes.    Production and ad valorem taxes increased $3.0 million, to $4.0 million for 2004 from $1.0 million for 2003 due to the properties acquired from 3TEC. Production and ad valorem taxes for 2004 include $2.7 million attributable to the properties acquired from 3TEC.

 

Gathering and transportation expenses.    Gathering and transportation expenses, which totaled $1.2 million in 2004, represent costs incurred to deliver oil and gas produced from certain of the properties acquired from 3TEC to the sales point.

 

General and administrative expense.    G&A, expense, excluding amounts attributable to stock appreciation rights, or SARs, increased 115%, or $5.1 million, to $9.5 million for 2004 from $4.4 million for 2003. G&A expense for 2004 includes $2.7 million related to the separation of employment of a former executive of the Company in March 2004. The remainder of the increase is primarily a result of increased costs resulting from the 3TEC acquisition.

 

G&A expense for 2004 includes a non-cash charge of $10.6 million related to outstanding SARs. Accounting for SARs requires that we record an expense or credit to the income statement depending on whether, during the period, our stock price either rose or fell, respectively. Accordingly, since our stock price at March 31, 2004 was $18.64 as compared to $15.39 on December 31, 2003 we recorded

 

22


an expense. Cash payments for SARs exercised were $4.3 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. G&A expense for 2003 includes a non-cash benefit of $1.4 million related to outstanding SARs.

 

G&A expense does not include amounts capitalized as part of our acquisition, exploration and development activities. We capitalized $3.4 million and $2.0 million of G&A expense in the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, or DD&A.    DD&A expense increased 100%, or $8.3 million, to $16.6 million for 2004 from $8.3 million for 2004. Approximately $7.7 million of the increase was attributable to our oil and gas DD&A due to a higher per unit rate and higher production. Our oil and gas unit of production rate increased to $4.39 per BOE in 2004 compared to $3.18 per BOE in 2003. The increase primarily reflects the effect of the 3TEC acquisition. The remaining increase is attributable to amortization of debt issue costs and accretion expense.

 

Gain (loss) on derivatives.    Gain (loss) on derivatives in the first quarter of 2004 includes $1.0 million of cash settlements and $0.6 million for the decrease in fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting.

 

Interest expense.    Interest expense increased 41%, or $2.0 million, to $6.9 million for 2004 from $4.9 million for 2002 due to higher outstanding debt as a result of the 3TEC acquisition. Interest expense does not include interest capitalized on oil and gas properties not subject to amortization. We capitalized approximately $0.9 million and $0.3 million of interest in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Income tax expense.    Income tax expense increased to $6.8 million for 2004 from $5.9 million for 2003 due to higher pre-tax income. Our overall effective tax rate decreased to 40% in 2004 from 41% in 2003. Our currently payable effective tax rate was 1% for 2004 as compared to 8% for 2003. The decreased currently payable effective rate in 2004 primarily reflects the tax loss on the sale of our Illinois properties.

 

Cumulative effect.    The cumulative effect of accounting change recognized for the first quarter of 2003 was for the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143 “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” as amended.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from our operations and our revolving credit facility. At March 31, 2004 we had approximately $203.5 million of availability under our revolving credit facility. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity through our cash from operations and borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility to meet our short-term and long-term normal recurring operating needs, debt service obligations, contingencies and anticipated capital expenditures.

 

Our cash flows depend on many factors, including the price of oil and gas and the success of our acquisition and drilling activities. We actively manage our exposure to commodity price fluctuations by hedging portions of our production and thereby mitigate our exposure to price declines. This allows us the flexibility to continue to execute our capital plan even if prices decline during the period our hedges are in place. In addition, the majority of our capital expenditures are discretionary and could be curtailed if our cash flows declined from expected levels.

 

Financing Activities

 

At March 31, 2004 we had a working capital deficit of approximately $112.1 million. Approximately $75.6 million of the working capital deficit is attributable to the fair value of our hedges. In accordance

 

23


with SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, the fair value of all derivative instruments is recorded on the balance sheet. Gains and losses on hedging instruments are included in oil and gas revenues in the period that the related volumes are delivered. The hedge agreements provide for monthly settlement based on the differential between the agreement price and actual NYMEX oil and gas prices. Cash received for sale of physical production will be based on actual market prices and will generally offset any gains or losses on the hedge instruments. In addition, $21.0. million of the working capital deficit is attributable to the in-the-money value of stock appreciation rights that were deemed vested at March 31, 2004. The remaining working capital deficit will be financed through cash flow and borrowings under our credit facility.

 

As of March 31, 2004 we had $191.0 million in borrowings and $5.5 million in letters of credit outstanding under our revolving credit facility. The credit facility has a borrowing base of $400.0 million that will be reviewed every six months, with the lenders and us each having the right to one annual interim unscheduled redetermination, and adjusted based on our oil and gas properties, reserves, other indebtedness and other relevant factors, and matures in April 2006. The credit facility contains a $50.0 million sub-limit on letters of credit. To secure borrowings, we pledged 100% of the shares of stock of our domestic subsidiaries and gave mortgages covering 80% of the total present value of our domestic oil and gas properties. Our domestic subsidiaries unconditionally guarantee payment of borrowings under the credit facility.

 

At March 31, 2004 we had $275.0 million principal amount of 8.75% senior subordinated notes outstanding. The 8.75% senior subordinated notes are our unsecured general obligations, are subordinated in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness and are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full, unconditional basis by all of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries. The indenture governing the notes contains covenants that limit our ability, as well as the ability of our subsidiaries, among other things, to incur additional indebtedness, make certain investments, make restricted payments, sell assets, enter into agreements containing dividends and other payment restrictions affecting subsidiaries, enter into transactions with affiliates, create liens, merge, consolidate and transfer assets and enter into different lines of business. In the event of a change of control, as defined in the indenture, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of the repurchase. The indenture governing the 8.75% senior subordinated notes permitted the spin-off and the spin-off did not, in itself, constitute a change of control for purposes of the indenture. The 3TEC acquisition did not constitute a change of control for purposes of the indenture.

 

Cash Flows

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,


 
     2004

     2003

 
     (in millions)  

Cash provided by (used in):

                 

Operating activities

   $ 30.4      $ 18.0  

Investing activities

     (9.6 )      (15.1 )

Financing activities

     (20.2 )      (2.9 )

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $30.4 million and $18.0 million for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase primarily reflects increased sales volumes as a result of the 3TEC acquisition, partially offset by higher G&A costs.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $9.6 million in the first quarter of 2004 and $15.1 million in the first quarter of 2003. Costs incurred in connection with our oil and gas acquisition, development and exploration activities totaled $32.1 million in 2004 compared to $12.8 million in 2003.

 

24


In the first quarter of 2004 we completed the sale of our interests in certain non-core producing properties in New Mexico, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Illinois for aggregate proceeds of approximately $25.6 million. Production from these properties averaged approximately 2,600 barrels per day in the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

Our oil and gas interests in the Illinois Basin fell outside of our core areas of operation and as a result did not compete well for capital with the properties within our core areas. The Illinois properties also carried with them high operating costs. These factors led to the sale of our Illinois properties through an extensive auction process. The sale was completed through a stock purchase agreement with standard terms, including typical purchase price adjustments, representations and warranties, and assumption of liabilities by the purchaser for an adjusted purchase price of $14.2 million. The reserves attributable to our Illinois properties were not material in relation to our total reserves. As a result, we do not expect the sale of these properties to have a significant impact on future operations or our stockholders.

 

Net cash used in financing activities in the first quarter of 2004 and 2003 was $20.2 million and $2.9 million, respectively, primarily reflecting a decrease in amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

 

Capital Requirements

 

We have made and will continue to make substantial capital expenditures for the acquisition, exploitation, development, exploration and production of oil and gas. During 2004, we expect to make aggregate capital expenditures of approximately $163-$177 million on our existing asset base. Capital expenditures for the Nuevo properties are expected to be $65-$70 million pursuant to Nuevo’s 2004 capital plan. Based on the foregoing, total pro forma capital expenditures for the combined asset base are estimated to be $228-$247 million for 2004, assuming the merger had closed on January 1, 2004. Subsequent to the closing of the Nuevo acquisition, we may reallocate capital between the two asset bases to optimize 2004 spending. We expect that 2004 capital expenditures will be funded with cash flow from our operations and our revolving credit facility.

 

We will incur cash expenditures upon the exercise of SARs, but our common shares outstanding will not increase. At March 31, 2004 we had approximately 3.5 million SARs outstanding of which 1.9 million were vested. If all of the vested SARs were exercised, based on $18.64, the price of our common stock as of March 31, 2004, we would pay $18.2 million to holders of the SARs. In the first quarter of 2004 we made cash payments of $4.3 million for SARs that were exercised during that period.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Factors that May Affect Future Results

 

Based on the accounting policies that we have in place, certain factors may impact our future financial results. Significant accounting policies related to commodity pricing and risk management activities, write-downs under full cost ceiling test rules, oil and gas reserves, stock appreciation rights and goodwill are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In 2003, the SEC inquired of the FASB regarding the application of certain provisions of SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, (“SFAS No. 141”) and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, (“SFAS No. 142”) to oil and gas companies. SFAS Nos. 141 and 142 became effective for transactions subsequent to June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 141 requires that all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 be accounted for using the purchase method and that acquired intangible

 

25


assets be disaggregated and reported separately from goodwill. Specifically, the SEC’s inquiry was based on whether costs of contract-based drilling and mineral use rights (“mineral rights”) should be recorded and disclosed as intangible assets under the guidance in SFAS Nos. 141 and 142. The current practice for us and the industry is to present oil and gas related assets, including mineral rights, as property and equipment (tangible assets) on the balance sheet. Subsequent to June 30, 2001, we entered into a business combination and the majority of the purchase price was allocated to oil and gas properties.

 

An Emerging Issues Task Force Working Group (“EITF”) was created to research the accounting and disclosure treatment of mineral rights for oil and gas companies. As a result, the EITF added Issue No. 04-2, “Whether Mineral Rights are Tangible or Intangible Assets and Related Issues,” and Issue No. 03-S, “Application of FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to Oil and Gas Companies”. The FASB recently issued FASB Staff Position 141-1 and 142-1 (the “FSP”) which clarifies that mineral rights are tangible assets and have further amended FAS 141 and FAS 142 accordingly. The EITF has not reached a consensus on Issue No. 03-S and any further guidance will be applied to the first reporting period beginning after the date that such issue is finalized.

 

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements based on our current expectations and projections about future events. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “will”, “would”, “should”, “plans”, “likely”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “believes”, “estimates”, “thinks”, “may”, and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results and performance to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things:

 

    uncertainties inherent in the development and production of oil and gas and in estimating reserves;

 

    unexpected difficulties in integrating our operations with those of Nuevo after the proposed acquisition;

 

    the consequences of our officers and employees providing services to both us and Plains Resources and not being required to spend any specified percentage or amount of time on our business;

 

    unexpected future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof);

 

    impact of oil and gas price fluctuations;

 

    the effects of our indebtedness, which could adversely restrict our ability to operate, could make us vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions, could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt, and could have other adverse consequences;

 

    the effects of competition;

 

    the success of our risk management activities;

 

    the availability (or lack thereof) of acquisition or combination opportunities;

 

    the impact of current and future laws and governmental regulations;

 

    environmental liabilities that are not covered by an effective indemnity or insurance, and

 

    general economic, market, industry or business conditions.

 

26


All forward-looking statements in this report are made as of the date hereof, and you should not place undue certainty on these statements without also considering the risks and uncertainties associated with these statements and our business that are discussed in this report. Moreover, although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that we will attain these expectations or that any deviations will not be material. Except as required by applicable securities laws, we do not intend to update these forward-looking statements and information. See Items 1 & 2.—“Business and Properties—Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Factors That May Affect Future Results” in this report for additional discussions of risks and uncertainties.

 

Item 3—Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risks

 

We actively manage our exposure to commodity price fluctuations by hedging significant portions of our oil and gas production through the use of derivative instruments. The derivative instruments currently consist of oil and gas swap and option contracts entered into with financial institutions. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. Derivative instruments utilized to manage commodity price risk are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended. Under SFAS 133, all derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If a derivative does not qualify as a hedge or is not designated as a hedge, the changes in fair value are recognized currently in our earnings as other income (expense). If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge and qualifies for hedge accounting, the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative is deferred in accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”), a component of Stockholders’ Equity until the sale of the hedged oil and gas production. Realized gains and losses on derivative instruments that are designated as a hedge and qualify for hedge accounting are included in oil and gas revenues in the period the hedged volumes are sold.

 

To qualify for hedge accounting, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item must be highly effective in achieving the offset of changes in cash flows attributable to the hedged risk both at the inception of the contract and on an ongoing basis. Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively when a hedge instrument becomes ineffective. Gains and losses deferred in OCI related to cash flow hedges for which hedge accounting has been discontinued remain unchanged until the related product has been delivered. If it is probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, deferred gains or losses on the hedging instrument are recognized in earnings immediately.

 

We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking the hedge. Hedge effectiveness is measured on a quarterly basis. This process includes specific identification of the hedging instrument and the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged and the manner in which the hedging instrument’s effectiveness will be assessed. At the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, we assess whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.

 

During the first three months of 2004 and 2003, deferred losses of $17.8 million and $17.3 million, respectively, were reclassified from OCI and charged to income as a reduction of oil and gas revenues. As of March 31, 2004, $66.4 million ($40.1 million, net of tax) of deferred net losses on derivative instruments recorded in OCI are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve-month period. During the first three months of 2004 we recognized expenses of $1.6 million from derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting and $0.1 million for ineffectiveness of derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting.

 

27


At March 31, 2004, we had the following open commodity derivative positions:

 

     Bbls / MMBtu Per Day

     2004

   2005

   2006

Crude Oil Swaps

              

Average price $23.89 per Bbl

   18,500      

Average price $24.79 per Bbl

      17,500   

Average price $25.28 per Bbl

         15,000

Natural Gas Swaps

              

Average price $4.45 per MMBtu

   20,000      

Natural Gas Costless Collars

              

Floor price of $4.00 per MMBtu

   20,000      

Cap price of $5.15 per MMBtu

              

Floor price of $4.75 per MMBtu

   10,000      

Cap price of $5.67 per MMBtu

              

 

Assuming our production volumes for the first quarter 2004 are held constant in subsequent periods, we have hedged approximately 77%, 73% and 62% of our oil production for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and approximately 61% of our 2004 gas production. Location and quality differentials attributable to our properties are not included in the foregoing prices. Because of the quality and location of our production, these adjustments will affect our net realized prices.

 

The fair value of outstanding crude oil and natural gas commodity derivative instruments and the change in fair value that would be expected from a 10% price decrease are shown in the table below (in millions):

 

     March 31,

     2004

   2003

    

Fair

Value


   

Effect of 10%

Price

Decrease


  

Fair

Value


   

Effect of 10%

Price

Decrease


Swaps and options contracts

   $ (124.0 )   $ 58.3    $ (25.9 )   $ 34.2

 

The fair value of the swaps and option contracts are estimated based on quoted prices from independent reporting services compared to the contract price of the agreement, and approximate the gain or loss that would have been realized if the contracts had been closed out at period end. All hedge positions offset physical positions exposed to the cash market. None of these offsetting physical positions are included in the above table. Price risk sensitivities were calculated by assuming an across-the-board 10% decrease in price regardless of term or historical relationships between the contractual price of the instruments and the underlying commodity price. In the event of an actual 10% change in prompt month prices, the fair value of our derivative portfolio would typically change less than that shown in the table due to lower volatility in out-month prices.

 

The contract counterparties for our derivative commodity contracts are all major financial institutions with Standard & Poor’s ratings of A or better. Six of the financial institutions are participating lenders in our revolving credit facility, with one counterparty holding contracts that represent approximately 39% of the fair value of all open positions as of March 31, 2004.

 

Our management intends to continue to maintain hedging arrangements for a portion of our production. These contracts may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain circumstances. Our hedging arrangements provide us protection on the hedged volumes if oil prices decline below the prices at which these hedges are set, but ceiling prices in our hedges may cause us to receive less revenues on the hedged volumes than we would receive in the absence of hedges.

 

28


Interest rate risk.    Our credit facility is sensitive to market fluctuations in interest rates. We use interest rate swaps to hedge underlying debt obligations. These instruments hedge specific debt issuances and qualify for hedge accounting. The interest rate differential is reflected as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of the instruments. We have entered into an interest rate swap for an aggregate notional principal amount of $7.5 million that fixes the interest rate on that amount of borrowing under our credit facility at 3.9% plus the LIBOR margin set forth in our credit facility. The swap expires in October 2004.

 

Item 4—Controls and Procedures

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (our principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer), we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rule 13a-14(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2004 are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

During our first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2004, there was no significant change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

29


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1—Legal Proceedings

 

We are a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our business. While the outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, we do not believe that the outcome of these legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 2—Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period


   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased


   Average
Price
Paid per
Share


   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs


   Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value)
of Shares
that May Yet
Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs


March 1 to March 31, 2004(1)

   10,580    $ 17.31      

(1)   These shares were repurchased from the holders of restricted stock at the time the restrictions lapsed in accordance with the Company’s 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, in order to pay the withholding taxes of the holder.

 

Item 6—Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits

 

  2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 12, 2004, by and among Plains Exploration & Production Company, PXP California Inc. and Nuevo Energy Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 12, 2004).
  2.2    Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 9, 2004, by and among Plains Exploration & Production Company, PXP California Inc. and Nuevo Energy Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to Form S-4 filed on April 12, 2004).
31.1*    Certification of Chief Executive Officer, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*    Certification of Chief Financial Officer, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1*    Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*    Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*   Filed herewith

 

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(b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

     A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed on January 20, 2004 with respect to unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and the year ended December 31, 2002 reflecting, among other things, the acquisition of 3TEC Energy Corporation.
     A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed on February 12, 2004 with respect to a press release dated February 12, 2004 announcing a definitive agreement to acquire Nuevo Energy Company. The report also included estimates of certain operating and financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2004.
     A Current Report on Form 8-K/A was filed on February 18, 2004 to correct certain inaccuracies in the estimates of certain operating and financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and the year ended December 31, 2004 included in the Form 8-K filed on February 12, 2004.
     A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed on March 10, 2004 with respect to a press release dated March 10, 2004 reporting 2003 earnings and year-end oil and gas reserve information.
     A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed on March 17, 2004 with respect to an unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2003 and an unaudited pro forma balance sheet at December 31, 2003 that reflected the acquisition of Nuevo Energy Company. The report also included the consolidated financial statements of Nuevo Energy Company.
     A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed on March 30, 2004 with respect to a presentation to be made on March 31, 2004 at the Howard Weil Energy Conference in New Orleans, LA.
     A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed on March 31, 2004 with respect to a presentation made on March 31, 2004 at the Howard Weil Energy Conference in New Orleans, LA.

 

Items 3, 4 & 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

PLAINS EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION COMPANY.

Date: May 6, 2004

 

By:

 

/s/    STEPHEN A. THORINGTON


       

Stephen A. Thorington

       

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

       

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

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